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Friday, November 21, 2014

Walcott out of United clash, Welbeck a doubt

Arsenal will be without Theo Walcott for their Premier League clash with Manchester United, while Danny Welbeck is a doubt.

Walcott
suffered a serious knee problem in an FA Cup game with Tottenham back
in January, and has made just two substitute appearances this season as
Arsene Wenger aims to gradually reintroduce him to first-team action.

On Thursday, Wenger suggested Walcott was fit for Saturday's meeting
at the Emirates Stadium, but in his press conference on Friday, the
manager declared otherwise.

"I don't think he will be available tomorrow," he said.
There was good news for Arsenal in the shape of Olivier Giroud's
return to fitness after recovering from a broken leg, although Wenger
revealed former United man Welbeck was a slight doubt with a hamstring
complaint.

"His fitness will depend on the medical assessment in the morning," he said.
Talk of Welbeck has dominated the build-up to Saturday's game, with
the 23-year-old departing Old

Trafford at the end of the transfer window
in order to secure first-team action.
United boss Louis van Gaal insists he has not been surprised by
Welbeck's form since joining Arsenal, and Wenger is full of praise for
the forward.

"Louis van Gaal didn't have him under his command for very long, so it's difficult to judge players," he said.

"Welbeck is still a young player. I can understand Van Gaal completely. What's important is that he gets an opportunity.

"In front of him, he had two great goalscorers in Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. What he needed was a chance.

"I always respected him and he has a great future. But he's gained more respect over the last few months.
"One reason we bought him was because he wanted to play. Playing centrally wasn't a condition."